About Emerald City Sun

First off, I do not expect world-class customer service when I walk into a tanning salon; however, I do expect the staff to be somewhat courteous and responsive. Walking into Emerald City Sun for the first time, I liked the decor, the lighting, and I was excited to see they had some of my favorite beds available.

There were 5 girls behind the counter and one off to the side, she seemed as though she was also an employee who was staying after to "shoot the breeze." Not one person greeted me as I walked in the door (there was no one else in the salon at the time)-basic customer service 101. I approached the counter and still not one person said anything to me, I had to say the first word. One girl, who I later found out was a manager or lead of some sort, gave me the dirtiest look, as though I was interrupting their conversations. I wanted to leave right there, but I was in desperate need of a tan. The girls behind the counter seemed to lack appropriate knowledge of their products and their services. They were trying to tell me "facts" about their beds and lotions, however, much of it seemed to be made up on the spot. I worked in an upscale tanning salon for years, so I know what I'm talking about. While I was asking questions, the other girls began talking about internal company issues while I was standing right there! Not only is that unpleasant to hear as a customer, but it also makes the company look like a joke.

Bottom line, tanning costs a lot. I don't want to dish out hundreds to be greeted (or not greeted for that matter) in such a rude way. I know these girls earn commission, why would I want to add to their paychecks, when they can't even crack a smile or a "hello" when I walk in the door.

I also think it's sad that in this economy, where tons of qualified people are looking for work, individuals who lack basic customer service skills are employed.

My advice, work on training your staff a little more and hire people who actually care about their jobs. This salon will not be getting any of my money.

1

by mamaKRS at Citysearch
May 01, 20102Emerald City Sun

Amazing Beds, Unprofessional Staff

★★☆☆☆

First off, I do not expect world-class customer service when I walk into a tanning salon; however, I do expect the staff to be somewhat courteous and responsive. Walking into Emerald City Sun for the first time, I liked the decor, the lighting, and I was excited to see they had some of my favorite beds available.

There were 5 girls behind the counter and one off to the side, she seemed as though she was also an employee who was staying after to "shoot the breeze." Not one person greeted me as I walked in the door (there was no one else in the salon at the time)-basic customer service 101. I approached the counter and still not one person said anything to me, I had to say the first word. One girl, who I later found out was a manager or lead of some sort, gave me the dirtiest look, as though I was interrupting their conversations. I wanted to leave right there, but I was in desperate need of a tan. The girls behind the counter seemed to lack appropriate knowledge of their products and their services. They were trying to tell me "facts" about their beds and lotions, however, much of it seemed to be made up on the spot. I worked in an upscale tanning salon for years, so I know what I'm talking about. While I was asking questions, the other girls began talking about internal company issues while I was standing right there! Not only is that unpleasant to hear as a customer, but it also makes the company look like a joke.

Bottom line, tanning costs a lot. I don't want to dish out hundreds to be greeted (or not greeted for that matter) in such a rude way. I know these girls earn commission, why would I want to add to their paychecks, when they can't even crack a smile or a "hello" when I walk in the door.

I also think it's sad that in this economy, where tons of qualified people are looking for work, individuals who lack basic customer service skills are employed.

My advice, work on training your staff a little more and hire people who actually care about their jobs. This salon will not be getting any of my money.